Mapisa‑Nqakula to ask court to dismiss corruption and money‑laundering charges

Former defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa‑Nqakula will ask the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to dismiss the corruption and money‑laundering charges against her after the state closed its case.

What the charges allege

Mapisa‑Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one count of money laundering. The prosecution alleges she solicited R4.55 million in bribes from South African National Defence Force (SANDF) contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa‑Ndhlovu between December 2016 and July 2019.

Defence to seek discharge under Section 174

During proceedings on Thursday, Mapisa‑Nqakula’s counsel, Siyabulela Mapoma SC, told the court the defence intends to bring an application for discharge under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act following the close of the State’s case.

Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the defence requested the trial transcripts to prepare the application.

“The trial against the former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa‑Nqakula, has been postponed on request of the defence team to 20 August 2026 for the accused to receive the transcribed records of the case for them to file an application in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The accused placed it on record in court that she will be filing for a discharge in the matter. The state has closed its case, and it will await the heads of argument from the accused in order to draft a reply,” Mamothame said.

Possible outcomes

If the Section 174 application is upheld, Mapisa‑Nqakula would be discharged at the close of the State’s case and would not have to present a defence. If the application is dismissed, the trial would continue, with the defence expected to call witnesses and Mapisa‑Nqakula herself potentially testifying.

Case background and progress

The alleged offences date to Mapisa‑Nqakula’s time as minister of defence and military veterans, a post she held from June 2012 until August 2021. The case arose after a criminal complaint by United Democratic Movement leader and current Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa.

Mapisa‑Nqakula was arrested in April 2024 and subsequently stepped down from her role in Parliament. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. More than 15 witnesses including family members, friends and associates of the State’s main witness and complainant, Nombasa Ntsondwa‑Ndhlovu have given evidence so far.

The next court appearance to hear the formal Section 174 application is scheduled for 20 August 2026.